We are trying to turn this program around so there is a great deal of enthusiasm with all of the kids. Fortunately they are all pushing each other.

It all starts offensively with Billy. He has had a tremendous career at Holy Cross. This fall he really separated himself and showed to his teammates the kind of commitment he is willing to make.

We are looking for guys who won't take any time off and want to compete. We expect our players to do what you have to do to be good leaders. We believe that you earn playing time in practice.

The key for us is to not back down. We have to realize that until the game is over we have a chance to win. Early in the season last year, we would get down by three or four goals and we would let it get to five or six. But at the end of the year we had two one-goal overtime games. It just takes an atmosphere of competing and knowing that you always have a chance.

Their leadership will be critical this year with having graduated such a big class last year. We brought in 11 rookies, so these kids will have to figure out how to play college lacrosse and learn what is expected of them as a college athlete. The seniors are tremendously important to us having success.

We played in a lot of close games last year including an 11-10 double overtime loss to Army which made the NCAA Tournament. So we will start winning some of those close games. We have good kids that keep working hard and want to do their best.